Can GTD Improve Your Handyman Skills?

About two years ago, I decided to become part time mason and installa paver patio in my back yard. “How hard could it be?” Or so Ithought. Pavers, sand, earth and some man power- a piece of cake,right? A week later and a new patio had emerged from the rubble. Justlike that.

This past week, I somehow got the itch to once again to work withstone, only this time installing a new tile floor on my porch. Justlike before, I emerged (like the phoenix) from the rubble as did my newfloor. It looks great! If you look in the far left corner, you’llnotice a screw-up but I’m guessing that most readers won’t stop by thehouse.

I used GTD to do both of these projects, although I was hardly awareof it at the time. Thankfully, GTD is firmly embedded in myproductivity DNA and “works” for me without even thinking about it.What aspects of GTD did I use?

Project List: I wrote down the materials I wouldneed, where to get them and when I would purchase them. I also createda list of tools that I had and needed to borrow or buy. In thisproject, the tile saw was crucial.

Desired Outcome: I had a clear sense of what Iwanted the porch to look like and worked towards that goal. Everydetail was arranged so that I could enjoy the porch with some friendsand have a decent cup of coffee at the same time.

Next Action: Each night after I finished my work, Iwould look at the porch from my kitchen window, thinking about the nextday’s steps that would need to be taken.

Close the Open Loops: Many weekend warriors havetrouble finishing the job. Sure, most of it is done, but they feelthat a few details here and there can wait. And they wait. Untiltheir spouse screams at them to finish the darn thing! My porchproject was simple enough that I could get it 100% done in order tocross “New Porch Floor” off my project list.